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Talks to resolve a dispute between farmers and Meat Industry Ireland has ended with a deal reached in a number of areas.<\/p>\nTalks to resolve a dispute between farmers and Meat Industry Ireland has ended with a deal reached in a number of areas.<\/p>\n
While the row over beef prices continues, an agreement between the two groups was made on several issues affecting farmers selling beef cattle.<\/p>\n
The crisis talks, which ran into a third day, ended in the early hours of Wednesday.<\/p>\n
The deal agreed included commitments to review how cattle are graded, including the publication of an expert report on new technology in mechanical carcass classification.<\/p>\n
It could also see up to 200,000 additional cattle qualifying for payments.<\/p>\n
Representatives from farmers\u2019 group Beef Plan Movement said they would consider the document with their members.<\/p>\n
Speaking after the talks ended, Agriculture Minister Michael Creed said: \u201cAfter long and detailed negotiations, stakeholders have reached agreement on a wide range of very significant issues.<\/p>\n
\u201cProgress was made on important initiatives aimed at improving transparency along the supply chain, and improving communication between industry and farmers\u201d<\/p>\n
Irish Creamery Milk Suppliers Association (ICMSA) president Pat McCormack said: \u201cThe talks have concluded with an air of uncertainty on whether anything will be delivered for beef farmers.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe wanted O- grades and 4+ fat score cattle to qualify immediately for the quality bonus.<\/p>\n
\u201cDelaying this until the end of September means farmers will lose out on up to 250,000 euro on cattle slaughtered in August and September.\u201d<\/p>\n
Irish Farmers\u2019 Association (IFA) president Joe Healy told the Irish Farmers Journal: \u201cBeef farmers will be disappointed that there is no increase in beef price because that is what is important to them.<\/p>\n
\u201cThey will wake up tomorrow getting the same base price as they were.\u201d<\/p>\n